Paris 2024: Amusan Flag-Bearer, Opeyori Named Nigeria’s Captain

Nigeria has named Tobi Amusan, the world women’s 100m hurdles record holder, as its flag-bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) announced this on Monday morning in Abuja made this announcement just 72 hours away from the kick-off.

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According to the statement, the appointment of Amusan as the flag-bearer is part Team Nigeria’s key decisions ahead of the Games’ opener on July 26.

The statement also announced Anuoluwapo Opeyori, Africa’s number one Badminton player, as Team Nigeria’s Captain.

NOC spokesman Tony Nezianya stated that they strongly believe in Opeyori’s leadership and have high expectations for both Africa’s number one Badminton player and Tobi Amusan.

“As the General Team Captain, Opeyori will play a crucial role in providing leadership and guidance to the Nigerian team contingent in Paris, drawing on his international experience to inspire his teammates to achieve their best results.

The decision to appoint Amusan and Opeyori to these prestigious positions reflects the high expectations the country has for its athletes at the upcoming Olympic Games. 

Both individuals have proven their mettle on the global stage and are poised to lead Nigeria’s charge for glory in Paris,”

Amusan, the reigning world champion in the 100m hurdles, will be one of Nigeria’s brightest medal prospects in Paris.

Earlier this year, Amusan set a world-leading time of 12.40 seconds, highlighting her impressive form heading into the Olympics.

She edged out two-time world champion Danielle Williams of Jamaica, who finished second with a time of 12.46 seconds.

Opeyori, on the other hand, is an experienced badminton player who has been representing Nigeria since 2017, winning the African Championships and African Games in the singles event in 2019.

He also competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.